Spicy Bloody Mary BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with these Spicy Bloody Mary BBQ Chicken Thighs, inspired by a delicious twist on a classic cocktail. This recipe features a flavorful marinade made from dry sherry, vodka, and vegetable juice, infused with hints of horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, giving the chicken a unique and zesty flavor profile. Perfect for summer BBQs or any gathering, these juicy chicken thighs are marinated to perfection, making them tender and bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for outdoor grilling or indoor broiling, each bite offers a delightful combination of smoky and spicy notes, ideally paired with a side of steamed rice and a fresh green salad. Enjoy this dish with friends and family while sipping on your favorite Bloody Mary!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry sherry
50 ml (none)
vodka
75 ml (none)
V8 vegetable juice
330 ml (or use plain tomato juice with increased celery salt (2 tsp))
horseradish sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
celery salt
1 teaspoon (none)
onion flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1 (freshly squeezed)
boneless chicken thighs
12 (skin-on, cut into pieces if desired)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry sherry, vodka, V8 vegetable juice (or tomato juice), horseradish sauce, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, onion flakes, and lemon juice until well combined.
2
Place the boneless chicken thighs into a large zip-loc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for optimal flavor.
3
When ready to cook, prepare your grill (or indoor broiler). For outdoor grilling, heat your barbecue until the coals are grey and the flames have died down. For indoor, preheat the grill to high and line a baking pan with foil for easy cleanup.
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. For grilling outdoors, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Grill for an additional 8-10 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
5
If using an indoor broiler, place the marinated chicken thighs on a rack in the pan, skin-side down. Broil for about 8-10 minutes per side, ensuring the skin is crispy and golden.
6
To check for doneness, cut into one of the thighs; there should be no pink meat remaining. If cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill/broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7
Optionally, you can create a homemade BBQ sauce by boiling the remaining marinade in a saucepan. Reduce until syrupy, adjusting seasoning and adding honey to taste. Serve alongside the chicken for an extra flavor boost, great with steamed rice and a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Spicy Bloody Mary BBQ Chicken Thighs?
This dish offers a unique and zesty flavor profile inspired by the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, featuring smoky, spicy, and tangy notes from ingredients like horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for the most optimal and deep flavor.
Can I substitute V8 vegetable juice?
Yes, you can use plain tomato juice instead, but you should increase the celery salt to 2 teaspoons to maintain the correct flavor balance.
What type of chicken cut is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 boneless chicken thighs, preferably with the skin still on.
Is there alcohol in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes 50 ml of dry sherry and 75 ml of vodka to mimic the components of a Bloody Mary.
How much Tabasco sauce should I use?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, or you can adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.
What is the preparation for the lemon used?
You should use the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon.
How do I prepare an outdoor grill for this chicken?
Heat your barbecue until the coals are grey and the flames have died down before placing the chicken on the grill.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor broiler set to high. Use a foil-lined baking pan with a rack for the best results.
Which side of the chicken should I grill first?
Place the chicken thighs on the grill or in the broiler skin-side down first.
How long does the chicken take to grill per side?
Grill the first side for 5-8 minutes, then flip and grill the other side for an additional 8-10 minutes.
What is the broiling time for this recipe?
If using a broiler, cook the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and golden.
How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
Cut into one of the thighs; it is done when there is no pink meat remaining.
Can I turn the marinade into a sauce?
Yes, you can boil the remaining marinade in a saucepan and reduce it until it becomes syrupy to create a homemade BBQ sauce.
What can I add to the reduced marinade sauce to improve it?
You can adjust the seasoning and add honey to taste to balance the flavors of the reduced sauce.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the juices to redistribute.
What side dishes are recommended with this chicken?
This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice and a fresh green salad.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What kind of onion is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1 teaspoon of onion flakes.
How much horseradish should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of horseradish sauce to the marinade mixture.
What is the quantity of celery salt needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of celery salt, or 2 teaspoons if using plain tomato juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
With 12 chicken thighs, it generally serves 4 to 6 people depending on the serving size.
Is it necessary to use a zip-loc bag for marinating?
While not strictly necessary, a large zip-loc bag is recommended to ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly and evenly coated.
Should I remove the skin from the chicken thighs?
The recipe suggests keeping the skin on to help it become crispy and golden during cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While thighs are more tender for grilling, you can use breasts; however, you will need to adjust cooking times to prevent them from drying out.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
Whisk together the sherry, vodka, juice, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire, celery salt, onion flakes, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
Is this recipe good for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer BBQs, parties, and gatherings.
How much V8 juice is used?
The recipe specifies 330 ml of V8 vegetable juice.
Should I dry the chicken before cooking?
You should let the excess marinade drip off the chicken, but do not dry it completely as the marinade provides the flavor.
Can I cut the chicken into pieces before cooking?
Yes, the recipe notes that the boneless thighs can be cut into pieces if desired.